Kia has been going 100 mph, producing truly cutting-edge vehicles. Since the major company rebrand, the Korean automaker has placed itself as a true competitor to the Japanese legends in Toyota and Honda. We heard about the all-new 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, and the design was enough to pique our attention. Among numerous impressive vehicles in their lineup, the Sportage is yet another proof that Kia is not the same as it once was.
Key Features
- Turbocharged Hybrid
- All Wheel Drive System
- Shadow Matte Gray Paint
Specifications
- Trim: SX-Prestige
- Model: Sportage
- Engine/Motor: 1.6-Liter Turbocharged Hybrid
- Horsepower: 227
- Torque: 258 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic w/Paddle Shifters
Pros
- Great Low-End Torque
- Cutting-Edge Cabin Styling
- Beautiful Exterior Design
- Great Safety Feature
- Unique Matte Finish Paint
Impressive Lineup And True Evolution
Photo by Bassem Girgis
The year 2022 has been an eye-opener. We've tested six Kia models in addition to this one, and there hasn't been one that disappointed, except maybe the 2022 Kia Forte GT. The Forte didn't majorly disappoint, but it didn't feel special. Amongst the numerous Kia models, the SUVs truly stood out. The 2022 Kia EV6 on the EV side is a true contender to Tesla. The Kia Telluride was also a force to be reckoned with when we drove it for a week. On the performance side, the Stinger GT2 was one of the best deals you can find on the market. There is obviously a pattern here, and this pattern didn't start until Kia's complete rebrand. The evolution of Kia is apparent behind the wheel of any of their vehicles, as a passenger, or even at a red light when you spot a new model. The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is simply a glimpse in the near future, showing us the new cabin designs that you can find in this car, as well as the EV6, and the new exterior cues that you can bet to see on many new upcoming models.
Turbocharged Performance With Hybrid Tech
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid sports a 1.6-liter Turbocharged engine, as well as a full parallel hybrid system. The engine features dual continuously variable valve timing, also known as CVVT, and direct injection fuel delivery. While an optional front-wheel drive is available, our loner came with the all-wheel drive system with the center locking differential. The turbocharged hybrid engine works collaboratively with a 6-speed automatic transmission that features paddle shifters. This engine delivers 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the hybrid system, the Sportage provides impressive acceleration from a stop, along with 38 mpg of fuel consumption on the city, highway, and combined. Impressive numbers across the board, and while the horsepower may read low on paper, the Sportage makes use of its powertrain and offers decent performance for a vehicle in its segment.
Hip Design With Unique Accents
Photo by Bassem Girgis
The first thing you will notice about our loner is the matte finish on the exterior. This is what Kia calls Shadow Matte Gray. It is a truly revolutionary paint finish on a production car. If you remember our review of the Kia EV6, it had a similar finish, but lighter in shade. This already places the Sportage ahead of most competition, and while some manufacturers are going with bright, flashy colors, yes, we are talking about the 2022 Toyota 4Runner, Kia is choosing to go with the subtle, elegant, custom look for their Sportage. The rear trunk feels a lot like the EV6, with nice, crisp lines on the rear quarter panels. The front is simple, yet futuristic, thanks to the beautiful line work on the headlights and the diamond-pattern glossy black grille. The side-profile of the Sportage is a combination of Range Rover and the Toyota Rav4, which the Sportage can now compete against. Overall, stellar job on the exterior design, completely changing the direction of their traditional designs, and paving the way for futuristic accents for many automakers to feel inspired from.
Interior That Looks Better Than It Feels
Photo by Bassem Girgis
The subhead may be too aggressive, and it's not necessary the case for everything around the Sportage's cabin. However, a few of the material, like window switches, don't feel as luxurious as the rest of the cabin. Our loner came with the flashy red seats, which couldn't work better with the matte gray paint. The center touchscreen measures 12.3-inches and houses Kia's newest infotainment system with navigation. Who needs navigation when you have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? Well, while the Sportage does have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, they require a cable to operate. To all automaker, please adapt and go with wireless. The last thing drivers want are wires running through their interior in a time when we don't need to get up to turn our house air conditioner on. With this rant behind us, the cabin is truly an evolution of its own, and things like the unique headrest design, also available in the EV6, are probably going to be seen in a lot of Kia models in the near future. To simplify, you never thought you can get into a Kia Sportage and experience an interior like this.
Surprisingly Peppy Drive
Photo by Bassem Girgis
When I got in the driver's seat of the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, the cabin surprised me, but I figured I am in for a boring drive. This couldn't be further from the truth. The turbocharged engine works beautifully with the hybrid system to provide power whenever you need it. Acceleration from a stop, even before the internal combustion engine kicks on, is quite impressive. When the engine kicks on, you will feel a tame, smooth acceleration. The RPM feels like it has a mind of its own, however, and it does show some lazy characteristics. The transmission hangs too long before downshifting, and it just takes the athletic feel out of the SUV. Obviously, the Sportage isn't designed to be athletic, but it's so close to being athletic, why not make it this much special with a better transmission?
The theme of the Sportage from the driver seat is smooth. The SUV does everything smoothly, but it does lack some driver engagement. The electric power steering takes anything that is natural and mechanical out of the steering feel, and provides you with steering that, while precise enough, lacks any feel. The rest of the ride is comfortable and smooth, with no complaints. Safety features will completely dominate your drive, with features like auto braking with pedestrian detection, parking distance warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and most features you can think of. All in all, a huge improvement over the previous generation Sportage and a testament to Kia's commitment to change and improvement.
A Great Daily With Tons Of Style
Photo by Bassem Girgis
A few days before getting the Kia Sportage, a family friend asked me if they should buy a Rav4 or a Sportage. My first instinct was to guide them towards a Rav4. However, after driving the Sportage, it is truly a tough decision to make. The styling alone of the Kia Sportage makes for quite the case of why you should get a Sportage. However, the lazy transmission can ruin just about any car for me. The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid starts at $27,290, but our loner with the SX-Prestige AWD trim came with a price tag of $38,155. This is quite the hefty price, but again, we are talking the top of the line. One thing we wouldn't budge in, however, and that is the Hybrid. If you do decide to pick yourself up a brand-new Sportage, we wouldn't get it if it's not the Hybrid. This system makes a huge difference and places it in a different category, almost justifying its MSRP.